10 Side Effects of Semaglutide You Should Know About
Ojus Life
| Unlocking the Secrets of Semaglutide: 10 Essential Side Effects You Should Know. While this diabetes medication can be a lifesaver, be aware of potential downsides, from fatigue and hair loss to the rare risk of thyroid tumors. Safely harness its benefits by staying informed and consulting your healthcare provider. |
Type Two Diabetes is a disease that plagues most of the world today. This is primarily due to heredity, inefficient nutrition, and a sedentary lifestyle. It is a chronic condition that affects the human body in different ways and hence, medicines like semaglutide are consumed by patients either orally or via an injection. Not only does semaglutide help lower blood sugar levels but also reduce the risk of a cardiac arrest or stroke. However, there are a few semaglutide side effects; scroll down to learn more about them.
10 Side Effects of Semaglutides
While this drug is widely used by diabetic patients globally, it is prudent to know the side effects of semaglutides before starting with treatment. They include:
10% + people on clinical trials reported fatigue as a major symptom of consuming some form of semaglutide. This is because - to induce weight loss - the medicine makes one feel less hungry, which translates into reduced food consumption and hence, being tired.
People taking a higher dosage of semaglutide are likely to experience diarrhoea as a side effect. This is one of the reasons that doctors start the course with a lower dosage and increase it gradually, so one’s body can adjust to the medicine.
It is normal for people to experience temporary hair loss while consuming semaglutide. This is because of the medicine and also the reduction of nutrient in-take (vitamins, minerals, and protein) due to the loss of appetite.
Semaglutide is a drug that induces insulin release in one’s body only after consuming a meal. However, if a patient is taking other medicines to lower blood sugar, this combination can increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
One of the common side effects of semaglutides is significant fat loss on the face. This could also result in skin being loose and wrinkles that become more evident. This, however, could revert once food consumption gets back to regular levels.
Just like diarrhoea and fatigue, a mild stomach ache is a common occurrence among patients that consume semaglutide. This also subsides over time like the other two symptoms.
One of the most common side effects of semaglutides are nausea followed by vomiting; the higher the dosage, the more its likelihood. To reduce these symptoms, one can consume smaller, less frequent meals and sit up straight after eating.
Although rare, mild allergic reactions such as a rash, itching, or redness could appear at the injection site. Consulting your healthcare provider about any allergic reactions could curb them from happening during your next dose.
If patients taking semaglutides experience symptoms such as fever, jaundice and stomach pain, there is a likelihood that the gallbladder has been affected. Clay coloured stools are another symptom. Dietary changes and physical exercise could help curb this.
The most stringent warning given by the FDA is this - consuming semaglutide could cause C-cell tumours in the Thyroid gland. Patients with a family history of cancer must be extremely cautious before consuming this drug.
Still have questions about consuming a semaglutide? We have got you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do semaglutide side effects last?
Most mild side effects should subside within a week or ten days. However, for the stronger side effects, it may take a few weeks after completing the course to subside.
What are the long term side effects of semaglutides?
Long term side effects of semaglutides include a rapid heart rate, rashes, nausea, itching, swelling on the face, and dehydration.
Does Semaglutide make you tired?
Yes, it can make you tired. This is one of the semaglutide weight loss side effects and may be because of the reduced food intake, thereby lowering one’s energy and making them tired.
Can Semaglutide be taken with Vitamin B12?
Yes, semaglutide can be taken with Vitamin B12 to optimise one’s energy production and provide them with what is missing through their diet.
Does Semaglutide cause weight loss?
Yes, semaglutide aids in weight loss by lowering one’s appetite. A good nutrition plan coupled with physical exercise can help in maintaining weight while taking this drug.
Semaglutide is a relatively new drug that is designed for patients with Type Two Diabetes. The standard operating procedure while consuming it is the same - one must regularly keep a check on their blood sugar levels, before and after meals, and before bedtime. Patients must diligently follow instructions given by their physician while taking semaglutide, since the dosage will be different for each person. Doctors, in general, will start you on a low dosage and increase it gradually based on how well it works with you. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible; however, if it is almost time for you to take your next dose, skip the missed one.
